STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA Following the Chilanga by-elections that took place on 5th June, 2018. News Diggers and The Mast Newspaper on 6th June published stories, journalist narrates horrific experience on duty20 and Cadres attack journalists in Chilanga21. The report was on the attack some journalists found themselves in while on duty in Chilanga. The reported indicated that suspected UPND cadres attacked the journalists suggesting they were behind the loss during the elections. The Mast Newspaper reported that:“Suspected UPND cadres last night attacked seven journalists from various media houses as they were heading to the totaling centre of the Chilanga byelection. The journalists from The Mast Newspaper, News Diggers, Radio Phoenix and Prime Television were attacked about five minutes after midnight, forcing them to abandon their vehicle and scampered for safety at Munda Wanga Botanical Gardens and nearby shops. As they crew drove passed Munda Wanga from the southern direction, two Toyota Land cruisers laden with belligerent cadres approached from the northern direction and blocked The Mast Newspaper driver, Peter Lungu, from proceeding. The cadres demanded identification from the traumatised journalists but even after being shown ZANIS press cards, the cadres started smashing the vehicle‟s windows using an assortment of weapons. They asked why the reporters were moving in a group. “Baf*la you are the people stealing our votes; Show us your (party) symbol! Why muyenda muma group? Bring your phones; who are you calling? Ndimwe bopusa baf*la,” the cadres said. 20 21 News Diggers – Journalist narrates horrific experience on duty, 6 th June, 2018 The Mast Newspaper – Cadres attack journalists in Chilanga, 6th June, 2018 20